These unique places to stay by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park will make you want to pack your bags and go! Visitors enjoy the dunes all year round as the area offers recreational activities like hiking and snowshoeing, no matter the season. The best places to stay by Sleeping Bear Dunes and Glen Arbor are included in this list, so there’s something for everyone! Stay in one of these unique accommodations during your time in Michigan, and make the best of your experience.
10 Unique Places to Stay by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
Located in Empire at the base of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, near Little Glen Lake is a historic caboose train. Turn your stay into an even bigger adventure and spend the night in this unique accommodation. The train is located in the middle of a forest with lots of privacy and beautiful nature views. You’ll also be right next to the Heritage Trail for, walking, and biking. Visit in the fall so you can see the fall colors at the dunes to do a photoshoot with your instagrammable place to stay.
No matter the season, this beautiful three-story, family-friendly home is perfectly situated for a place to stay near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Lake lovers will enjoy the close proximity to the water in the summer. Secluded and quiet, you’ll definitely get away from it all! The town is just a short way away where you can find local eateries, shops, arts, golf courses, entertainment, historical landmarks, ski resorts, and an array of family-friendly activities.
Ridge Point is brand new and beautifully designed. One of the best places to stay by Sleeping Bear Dunes This cozy, modern A-frame cottage has amenities for you to relax and enjoy your vacation. The home is within walking distance to Glen Arbor for groceries, parks, and wineries plus only 2 miles away from the national park and Lake Michigan beaches. Ridge Point is located on 8 natural acres of trees and a bog. The property, called Cranberry Ridge, is shared with 3 other cozy cottages. Access to Heritage Trail is just a few hundred yards away. Enjoy miles of hiking and bike trails in and around the national park. The Dune Climb is about 2 miles away.
The Dune Climb 
Located on the white sandy shores of Lake Michigan, this a-frame is the ultimate lakefront retreat. Just a 5-minute drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes. The house is a great family home with a loft area and a private bedroom. The property is perfect to enjoy on a nice summer day. Hang out on the water with your private beach, then make dinner after a day of swimming. As the sun sets on Lake Michigan, you’ll be dazzled at the amazing colors that dance across the lake filling the sky with cotton candy colors.
More Places to Stay by Sleeping Bear Dunes
Perfect weekend getaway!
“We really loved our stay at the Whaleback! With only a dozen or so rooms, it gives the feel of a quaint inn but with modern amenities and privacy. Rooms are spacious and come with a slider overlooking the grounds, and in our case, the lake. It is perfectly located only a mile away from downtown Leland and legendary Fishtown. It’s also very close to several wineries and restaurants. It’s a quick drive to Glen Arbor, Suttons Bay and Traverse City. However you’ll love the Whaleback so much that you’ll have difficulty leaving! We can’t wait for a future stay. We are glad to have found this hidden gem!“
Tripavisor Review: Jen H
Stay in a brand new updated hotel room at Empire Lakeshore Inn. Located only 200 ft from The Sleeping Bear Dunes Headquarters – you have direct access to the park. The Inn will have everything you need after a long day of playing in the great outdoors.
This is a great place to stay on the Leelanau Peninsula!
The property also includes an annex located across the street – the original Lakeshore Inn with 12 quaint guest rooms. Staying here you’ll be within walking distance of all the local shops, restaurants, and beaches. I recommend you spend a day on a sailboat from Traverse City where you’re served food, wine, & cocktails. Lake Michigan’s bright blue waters look stunning as you cruise across the lake.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Hotels
This is certainly one of the unique places to stay by Sleeping Bear Dunes. Relax at the Lodge, on Leelanau Peninsula near Traverse City with stunning bay views and modern conveniences adjacent to Leelanau Sands Casino. Situated high atop Leelanau Peninsula’s rolling hills, you’ll experience the scenery of northern Michigan forests and Grand Traverse Bay. Most rooms include walkout patios or balconies, and there’s a large outdoor deck perfect for a gathering spot.
Enjoy a unique way to discover Traverse City on a private pedicab tour! Pick from multiple start times throughout the day, meet your driver, and settle into your two-person pedicab. You’ll zip through five different areas, including Downtown Front Street, the trendy Warehouse District, and Old Towne. Learn about the city’s highlights and history as you soak up the waterfront ambiance.
images by: vrbo
Come enjoy this place to stay on beautiful Little Glen Lake and all it has to offer in this recently updated 4 bedroom, 2 full bath house with views of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. Enjoy a large yard that ends at the dock where you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddle boards in the warm waters of Little Glen.
Relax at night on the deck and enjoy the sunset on the lake before you head to the fire pit down by the lake. If you choose to bring/rent a watercraft, there is a buoy for mooring. Close to the charming town of Glen Arbor, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Heritage Trail and Alligator Hill.
images by: vrbo
Take in gorgeous water views from this spacious one-bedroom condo on Lake Michigan. The condo is located inside the Homestead Resort property on M-22 in Glen Arbor. Just minutes away from the Dune Climb, this is a great place to stay by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. The location is private and right on the lake with gorgeous river and lake views. At the end of the day, relax on the balcony and watch the beautiful Lake Michigan sunsets over the water. Don’t forget to spend some time in the nearby Traverse City for some taste testing at dozens of wineries, breweries, and cideries!
This newly built cozy, modern cottage has many amenities you’ll enjoy to relax and enjoy your vacation to Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. I love the loft area that the spiral staircase leads up to and the beautiful contemporary design of the A-frame.
- 1/3 mile from restaurants, shops, grocery store, township park, wineries
- 2 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan Beaches
- 2 miles from The Dune Climb
- Located on 8 natural acres of trees and a bog
- Access to Heritage Trail is a few hundred yards away
More Adventures in Michigan
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